Speechless in the Media

[bros402]

16 hours ago, Skyfall said:

Usually if a show has had full first and second seasons and it gets a full third season it’s getting a fourth full one. The only time the third season doesn’t guarantee a renewal is if it’ll end the show with less than 58 episodes. We still at 41 episodes of what would usually be 44. Since ABC likes it increase orders in the fall for the comedies that can easily get Speechless back on the 88 episode path. ABC also likes to over order on comedies so some shows gets the order and scheduling shaft while shows like Quintco keeps getting renewed with low ratings.

 

15 hours ago, GRChereck said:

Yup -- it would need at least another 23-episode season and a full 24 to reach 88 eps without going into a 5th season. :) (FOTB, by contrast, started out as a mid-season show with 13 eps, and thus would definitely have to take another half-season -- at least 9 eps -- to get to 88.)

They need 47 episodes to get Speechless to 88, they could do a two parter to get two episodes out of the way (Then we'd have less filler!), they'd probably do that for JJ graduating high school. They can definitely play around with the schedule to get it in, especially since there are no Olympics next year to make February a month of nothing.

[GRChereck]

USA Today's annual "Save Our Shows" poll includes FOTB and 'Speechless':

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/04/04/its-time-vote-ballot-2018-s-save-our-shows-poll-here/470007002/

Quote

Many "bubble show" producers will meet with network chiefs this month to pitch story ideas for potential new seasons. [Scott] Silveri promises a third round of Speechless would show more "triumphs" for the DiMeo family, led by Minnie Driver, and insists the show "is not some self-serious screed on inclusion. It's a comedy; we're not out trying to change anybody's life." 

 And like others, he remains an eternal optimist, even in a business where failure is the norm.  

"I'm just going to operate under the assumption that we are doing another season, and will get to work on it," Silveri says. "And if that ends up not being the case, I'll just put it on in my backyard."

I would hope so! Otherwise, how much darker could they go than the family losing their home -- have Jimmy lose his job? O_O

***

Silveri also had some comments in this ABC News piece on how disability tends to get overlooked in calls for more diversity:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/hollywoods-diversity-push-snubs-actors-disabilities-54223727

Edited April 4, 2018 by GRChereck

[readster]

6 hours ago, GRChereck said:

USA Today's annual "Save Our Shows" poll includes FOTB and 'Speechless':

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/04/04/its-time-vote-ballot-2018-s-save-our-shows-poll-here/470007002/

I would hope so! Otherwise, how much darker could they go than the family losing their home -- have Jimmy lose his job? O_O

***

Silveri also had some comments in this ABC News piece on how disability tends to get overlooked in calls for more diversity:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/hollywoods-diversity-push-snubs-actors-disabilities-54223727

That would be a major issue to go that dark. Like many have said, them being kicked out the way they were in the real world would have raised a lot of issues. Of course we were suppose to believe they didn't know about JJ's academics because: "No one talks to anyone at the school." If they get a season 3 and they are magically back in the house, then they need to tell the premiere in flashbacks. However, they better not find another stupid reason to keep JJ in high school another year. 

[bros402]

11 hours ago, GRChereck said:

USA Today's annual "Save Our Shows" poll includes FOTB and 'Speechless':

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/04/04/its-time-vote-ballot-2018-s-save-our-shows-poll-here/470007002/

I would hope so! Otherwise, how much darker could they go than the family losing their home -- have Jimmy lose his job? O_O

***

Silveri also had some comments in this ABC News piece on how disability tends to get overlooked in calls for more diversity:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/hollywoods-diversity-push-snubs-actors-disabilities-54223727

I really doubt they would have Jimmy lose his job - insurance is worth working a crappy job when you have someone with a disability in your family. I would not be surprised if they had Jimmy moonlight as an architect, though.

5 hours ago, readster said:

That would be a major issue to go that dark. Like many have said, them being kicked out the way they were in the real world would have raised a lot of issues. Of course we were suppose to believe they didn't know about JJ's academics because: "No one talks to anyone at the school." If they get a season 3 and they are magically back in the house, then they need to tell the premiere in flashbacks. However, they better not find another stupid reason to keep JJ in high school another year. 

They could've had the "JJ needs to be retained" storyline make sense so easily.

I really doubt they will have JJ stay another year in high school - I mean, they could, if they could find a reason, IDEA allows a student to stay until they are 21, but yeah, JJ is a smart kid.

[Skyfall]

So Splitting Up Together is likely to be renewed and Roseanne is coming back but may be a short season again. The Middle is ending, Mayor is gone, and Alex Inc is likely gone. Everyone else except FOTB AND Speechless is pretty much safe. FOTB is produced by Fox and Speechless is coproduced by ABC and Fox. If they were to drop one right now it would be FOTB due to Disney not owning Fox yet but I think both stay. Let’s assume Roseanne gets a full season and ABC adds the 5th comedy hour back.

Tuesday: Roseanne, (NEW), Blackish, Splitting Up Together

Wednesday: The Goldbergs, (NEW), Modern Family, American Housewife

Friday: Speechless, Fresh Off The Boat

——

If Roseanne is 13 episodes and they don’t expand:

Tuesday: Roseanne/American Housewife, (NEW), Blackish, Splitting Up Together

Wednesday: The Goldbergs, Speechless, Modern Family, American Housewife/Fresh Off The Boat

[GRChereck]

16 hours ago, bros402 said:

I really doubt they would have Jimmy lose his job - insurance is worth working a crappy job when you have someone with a disability in your family. I would not be surprised if they had Jimmy moonlight as an architect, though.

There were a couple times late in s.1 where I was seriously concerned the show would go there; but since he got promoted at the beginning of s.2 (as if his past habitual lateness had been the only thing holding him back, despite all the games and "screwing around" he used to do with his colleagues during work hours), his getting fired at some point has seemed a lot less likely to me. :D But yeah, considering Silveri's comment in USA Today about the family possibly being given more "triumphs" in s.3, I could definitely see that including Jimmy getting more opportunities to do some architecture work on the side (especially if word gets out about Eddie's construction project).

 

16 hours ago, bros402 said:

I really doubt they will have JJ stay another year in high school - I mean, they could, if they could find a reason, IDEA allows a student to stay until they are 21, but yeah, JJ is a smart kid.

While I could see JJ being put on track to graduate when he's 19 because that's how old Micah was when he graduated (as well as to keep JJ and Kenneth together one more year while the writers figure out both JJ's post-high school plans and what else to do with Kenneth), I can't imagine him being held back any longer than that. Plus, I think the "JJ gets held back" two-parter "The H-U-S--Hustle" (2x12) / "D-I--DiMeo A-C--Academy" (2x13) could also have been an attempt to top the emotional gut-punch of the s.1 two-parter "C-H--Cheater" (1x19) / "R-U-N--Runaway" (1x20) (the family starts raising concerns about JJ's future independence / JJ runs away) -- in which case, I doubt the show would want to do the exact same thing again next year. :\

Edited April 5, 2018 by GRChereck
additional thoughts

[GRChereck]

A thoughtful response to ABC executives' recent claim about 'Roseanne' being their only show to address "economic diversity":

http://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/abc-has-a-great-sitcom-about-white-working-class-american-struggles-its-called-speechless-.php :)

 

(Also, 'Speechless' was included in this Vox piece listing 11 current comedies besides the 'Roseanne' revival that depict working-class struggles and address timely topics.) 

[GRChereck]

"Ask Matt" weighs in on 'Speechless' renewal chances in the wake of the 'Roseanne' revival's success:

https://www.tvinsider.com/681423/ask-matt-mozart-in-the-jungle-westworld-trading-spaces/

Quote

 

Will Roseanne’s Success Silence Speechless?

Question: My favorite ABC sitcom is Speechless. I am a bit worried that the success of the Roseanne revival will convince ABC that they don't need to renew it. After all, the Conners and DiMeos are very similar economically. For crying out loud, Jimmy's college major was architecture, yet he works as an airport baggage claimer! What do you think? Am I being paranoid? Thank you! — Unsigned

Matt Roush: It’s understandable to be concerned, even more so since Speechless ended its second season early, but I’d like to think or at least hope that Roseanne’s resounding reception would make ABC even more amenable to the brand of family comedy that it and Speechless (and the outgoing The Middle) represent. Without knowing when or where Roseanne will be scheduled next season, I’d love to see ABC use the show to give a boost to something as deserving as Speechless.

 

I would say the show's renewal might mostly depend on how 'Alex, Inc.' does, since the already-renewed 'Roseanne' likely won't do more than 13 episodes (and 'Splitting Up Together' is a sure bet for renewal so far). ABC seems to be doing everything in its power to save it despite disappointing numbers (while the 1.1 premiere was on par with the s.2 average for 'Speechless,' it's only been doing 0.9 in the past two weeks) -- including trying it out in the post-'Roseanne' slot next Tuesday (4/17), as well as airing one new episode on 4/18 and two on 4/25 when the rest of the Wed. comedy lineup will be taking a two-week break. :\   

***

Not directly about 'Speechless,' but it's mentioned in the list of "Examples of Best Practices," and the "H-E-R--Hero" episode is quoted in "Terminology Tips" (particularly the "inspiration porn" section)...

Jewish Journal: Toolkit Touts Hiring Actors With Disabilities

The 83-page toolkit can be read / downloaded here: http://www.respectability.org/hollywood-inclusion/

[Skyfall]

3 hours ago, GRChereck said:

"Ask Matt" weighs in on 'Speechless' renewal chances in the wake of the 'Roseanne' revival's success:

https://www.tvinsider.com/681423/ask-matt-mozart-in-the-jungle-westworld-trading-spaces/

I would say the show's renewal might mostly depend on how 'Alex, Inc.' does, since the already-renewed 'Roseanne' likely won't do more than 13 episodes (and 'Splitting Up Together' is a sure bet for renewal so far). ABC seems to be doing everything in its power to save it despite disappointing numbers (while the 1.1 premiere was on par with the s.2 average for 'Speechless,' it's only been doing 0.9 in the past two weeks) -- including trying it out in the post-'Roseanne' slot next Tuesday (4/17), as well as airing one new episode on 4/18 and two on 4/25 when the rest of the Wed. comedy lineup will be taking a two-week break. :\   

***

Not directly about 'Speechless,' but it's mentioned in the list of "Examples of Best Practices," and the "H-E-R--Hero" episode is quoted in "Terminology Tips" (particularly the "inspiration porn" section)...

Jewish Journal: Toolkit Touts Hiring Actors With Disabilities

The 83-page toolkit can be read / downloaded here: http://www.respectability.org/hollywood-inclusion/

SUT has fallen too much to get renewed now in my opinion. Alex Inc is likely a goner as well.

[readster]

12 hours ago, Skyfall said:

SUT has fallen too much to get renewed now in my opinion. Alex Inc is likely a goner as well.

I agree, both shows had a nice premise, but they can't support a long series. In fact, SUT acts more like a movie with good actors, but with a thin plot. Alex Inc could have worked if they didn't do the cliche: "Has great job, ditches it for a start up and almost sinks the family in the process." 

[Skyfall]

9 hours ago, readster said:

I agree, both shows had a nice premise, but they can't support a long series. In fact, SUT acts more like a movie with good actors, but with a thin plot. Alex Inc could have worked if they didn't do the cliche: "Has great job, ditches it for a start up and almost sinks the family in the process." 

Alex Inc is based on real life and I believe that’s what happened.

[bros402]

On 4/13/2018 at 4:54 PM, GRChereck said:

"Ask Matt" weighs in on 'Speechless' renewal chances in the wake of the 'Roseanne' revival's success:

https://www.tvinsider.com/681423/ask-matt-mozart-in-the-jungle-westworld-trading-spaces/

I would say the show's renewal might mostly depend on how 'Alex, Inc.' does, since the already-renewed 'Roseanne' likely won't do more than 13 episodes (and 'Splitting Up Together' is a sure bet for renewal so far). ABC seems to be doing everything in its power to save it despite disappointing numbers (while the 1.1 premiere was on par with the s.2 average for 'Speechless,' it's only been doing 0.9 in the past two weeks) -- including trying it out in the post-'Roseanne' slot next Tuesday (4/17), as well as airing one new episode on 4/18 and two on 4/25 when the rest of the Wed. comedy lineup will be taking a two-week break. :\   

***

Not directly about 'Speechless,' but it's mentioned in the list of "Examples of Best Practices," and the "H-E-R--Hero" episode is quoted in "Terminology Tips" (particularly the "inspiration porn" section)...

Jewish Journal: Toolkit Touts Hiring Actors With Disabilities

The 83-page toolkit can be read / downloaded here: http://www.respectability.org/hollywood-inclusion/

I would not be surprised if ABC kept Speechless because of the positive buzz - especially since they might own Fox's TV production soon enough.

[GRChereck]

 

YAY!!! :D

***

Also, a nice article with comments from Micah:

http://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/advocacy/speechless-star-micah-fowler-is-living-without-limits :)

[bros402]

58 minutes ago, GRChereck said:

 

YAY!!! :D

***

Also, a nice article with comments from Micah:

http://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/advocacy/speechless-star-micah-fowler-is-living-without-limits :)

Woohoo! I'm waiting for the upfronts next week before celebrating over the episode count - but I hope that they do not push this to Friday like people have been speculating. After the cancellations of The Mick, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Last Man on Earth, I was really, really worried about Speechless - since now the only network comedies left that I watch are Speechless and The Good Place!

[readster]

6 hours ago, bros402 said:

Woohoo! I'm waiting for the upfronts next week before celebrating over the episode count - but I hope that they do not push this to Friday like people have been speculating. After the cancellations of The Mick, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Last Man on Earth, I was really, really worried about Speechless - since now the only network comedies left that I watch are Speechless and The Good Place!

With The Middle gone, Modern Family ending next year. Putting Speechless on Friday would be just a stupid move. They could put this in after Roseanne no problem or keep it on Wednesdays. Seriously, they need to put Shark Tank back on Fridays, since it was doing fine and just as good on Sundays. ABC just likes to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes. The one think they need to make sure of next season on Speechless, especially since they have a contracted 22 episodes. GET JJ out of HIGH SCHOOL and for the love of God, enough of the short jokes of: "See, they can get kicked out of their rental property too." 

[sonyab]

Yeah I just read that!!! I am so glad Speechless has been renewed!!! After finding out Last man on earth(or as I like to call it Last people on earth) and Brooklyn nine nine have been cancelled, I needed a win!!!!!!!!!!!

5 hours ago, readster said:

Modern Family ending next year.

Wait! What?!?!!?! I haven't heard that!!!

[71dude]

Excellent news! I thought it would be renewed but it wasn't a slam dunk. Happy for the 22 as well. Now put it back on the air!

Fresh Off the Boat next, please.

[readster]

3 hours ago, 71dude said:

Excellent news! I thought it would be renewed but it wasn't a slam dunk. Happy for the 22 as well. Now put it back on the air!

Fresh Off the Boat next, please.

Yep, Fresh is renewed too and Last Man Standing is being resurrected by Fox. 

[GRChereck]

10 hours ago, sonyab said:

After finding out Last man on earth(or as I like to call it Last people on earth) and Brooklyn nine nine have been cancelled, I needed a win!!!!!!!!!!!

Super-bummed about LMOE. :(

But NBC just picked up B99:

http://www.tvratingsguide.com/2018/05/that-was-fast-brooklyn-99-is.html :)

3 hours ago, readster said:

Yep, Fresh is renewed too

Another YAY! :D

[sonyab]

7 hours ago, GRChereck said:

Super-bummed about LMOE. :(

Yeah me too. :(

 

But NBC just picked up B99:

http://www.tvratingsguide.com/2018/05/that-was-fast-brooklyn-99-is.html :)

Yeah I just read that!!! SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

 

7 hours ago, GRChereck said:

Another YAY! :D

So happy Fresh off the boat has been renewed!!! YAY!

[paulvdb]

ABC fall TV 2018 schedule

Quote

After trying a two-hour drama block on Fridays this season (without much success), the network is returning to comedies to start the night with veterans “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Speechless.”

[readster]

Fresh off going to Fridays I can see, but man moving Speechless over there is not the best move. Especially after only 2 seasons under its belt. The show creators but not get: "We need to keep all the kids in HS" thought process. They better give the season a full regular arc that leaves it open but wraps up the stories nicely. 

[Kip Hackman]

I rarely watch the show live, so the move to Fridays won't impact my life.

But it's gonna hurt ratings, big time.

[GRChereck]

2 hours ago, paulvdb said:

ABC fall TV 2018 schedule

FOTB should be okay, considering how much it has been kicked around the schedule yet has enjoyed fairly stable (if modest) ratings; as for 'Speechless,' its average rating (despite little-to-no promotion for most of the episodes) managed to fare slightly better than FOTB did this past season, so it's possible that it could build slightly on its new lead-in. If ABC actually bothers to advertise for the shows' changed time-slots (as they did for AH quite a bit last season), I could see them holding on to most of their audiences (and certainly faring better than the likes of 'Marvel's Inhumans' and OUAT). :)

The one big problem I see, however, is that ABC's comedy block will going head-to-head with FOX's (the revived LMS and the new 'The Cool Kids'). :\

[kathyk24]

2 minutes ago, GRChereck said:

FOTB should be okay, considering how much it has been kicked around the schedule yet has enjoyed fairly stable (if modest) ratings; as for 'Speechless,' its average rating (despite little-to-no promotion for most of the episodes) managed to fare slightly better than FOTB did this past season, so it's possible that it could build slightly on its new lead-in. If ABC actually bothers to advertise for the shows' changed time-slots (as they did for AH quite a bit last season), I could see them holding on to most of their audiences (and certainly faring better than the likes of 'Marvel's Inhumans' and OUAT). :)

The one big problem I see, however, is that ABC's comedy block will going head-to-head with FOX's (the revived LMS and the new 'The Cool Kids'). :\

It's possible for a show to succeed on Friday night. Grimm ran for six seasons most of them on Friday. ABC will have to spend time and money advertising the time slot change. What storylines do you want to see next year? I want Speechless to explore what JJ turning eighteen means for Dimeos. He's a legal adult now so Maya won't automatically be able to decide what is best for him. Also JJ will be eligible for SSI which should help the family's finances. I'd also like to see JJ date more often.

[bros402]

11 hours ago, GRChereck said:

FOTB should be okay, considering how much it has been kicked around the schedule yet has enjoyed fairly stable (if modest) ratings; as for 'Speechless,' its average rating (despite little-to-no promotion for most of the episodes) managed to fare slightly better than FOTB did this past season, so it's possible that it could build slightly on its new lead-in. If ABC actually bothers to advertise for the shows' changed time-slots (as they did for AH quite a bit last season), I could see them holding on to most of their audiences (and certainly faring better than the likes of 'Marvel's Inhumans' and OUAT). :)

The one big problem I see, however, is that ABC's comedy block will going head-to-head with FOX's (the revived LMS and the new 'The Cool Kids'). :\

The Cool Kids looks horrible, so after someone watches 5 minutes of that, they'll just turn to Speechless :P

[GRChereck]

20 hours ago, kathyk24 said:

What storylines do you want to see next year? I want Speechless to explore what JJ turning eighteen means for Dimeos. He's a legal adult now so Maya won't automatically be able to decide what is best for him. Also JJ will be eligible for SSI which should help the family's finances. I'd also like to see JJ date more often.

Ooh...

Besides the stuff about JJ turning 18, I'd like to see him actually graduate (and start making plans for life after high school) now that he'll be getting a second chance at his Senior year. Beyond that:

-- Since they lost their home, I'd like to see the DiMeos start afresh and begin laying down roots, putting down-payments on a similarly cheap / crappy house in a different neighborhood (preferably within the same school district!) since I think they kinda blew it with this one by having been such lousy neighbors throughout s.1. 

-- Some resolution for Dylan's late-season reveal that she's been flunking two of her classes; I could see some funny plots in which she must turn to her family (especially Ray) to either help get her grades up before the end of the school year (if s.3 picks up immediately where s.2 left off) or help with her Summer School work.

-- More relationship / dating stuff with JJ (and Kenneth), and Dylan trying to make friends.

-- Less relationship stuff with Ray (who had decided to back off from trying to win back Taylor and instead work on himself), as well as a 16th-birthday episode for him (since Dylan and JJ have each had a b-day ep now).

-- More of both Maya and Kenneth figuring out who they are and what they could do outside of their bonds with JJ. (Besides the filmmaking stuff with JJ and exploring more of Jimmy's work-life at the airport, I thought the notion of Maya advocating for other parents was one of the more promising s.2 threads; and I also liked the idea of starting her on a path toward reconciliation with both of her parents.)

-- More Jimmy all-around, especially his bonds with his sons, his friendship with Kenneth, info on his upbringing / relationships with his parents, and possibly pursuing architecture projects on the side. (I'd also like to know more about his "old punk band," which Maya alluded to in 2x9...) :D

-- Episode ideas: 1) Jimmy and Kenneth take the boys to do something fun, while Dylan (perhaps laid up with a sports injury, or grounded after getting in trouble for a prank at school) bonds with her mother at home; and 2) Kenneth and Jimmy treat each other to a "guys' night" while Maya watches the kids.

Edited May 16, 2018 by GRChereck

[kathyk24]

8 hours ago, GRChereck said:

Ooh...

Besides the stuff about JJ turning 18, I'd like to see him actually graduate (and start making plans for life after high school) now that he'll be getting a second chance at his Senior year. Beyond that:

-- Since they lost their home, I'd like to see the DiMeos start afresh and begin laying down roots, putting down-payments on a similarly cheap / crappy house in a different neighborhood (preferably within the same school district!) since I think they kinda blew it with this one by having been such lousy neighbors throughout s.1. 

-- Some resolution for Dylan's late-season reveal that she's been flunking two of her classes; I could see some funny plots in which she must turn to her family (especially Ray) to either help get her grades up before the end of the school year (if s.3 picks up immediately where s.2 left off) or help with her Summer School work.

-- More relationship / dating stuff with JJ (and Kenneth), and Dylan trying to make friends.

-- Less relationship stuff with Ray (who had decided to back off from trying to win back Taylor and instead work on himself), as well as a 16th-birthday episode for him (since Dylan and JJ have each had a b-day ep now).

-- More of both Maya and Kenneth figuring out who they are and what they could do outside of their bonds with JJ. (Besides the filmmaking stuff with JJ and exploring more of Jimmy's work-life at the airport, I thought the notion of Maya advocating for other parents was one of the more promising s.2 threads; and I also liked the idea of starting her on a path toward reconciliation with both of her parents.)

-- More Jimmy all-around, especially his bonds with his sons, his friendship with Kenneth, info on his upbringing / relationships with his parents, and possibly pursuing architecture projects on the side. (I'd also like to know more about his "old punk band," which Maya alluded to in 2x9...) :D

-- Episode ideas: 1) Jimmy and Kenneth take the boys to do something fun, while Dylan (perhaps laid up with a sports injury, or grounded after getting in trouble for a prank at school) bonds with her mother at home; and 2) Kenneth and Jimmy treat each other to a "guys' night" while Maya watches the kids.

I thought of some other plots I'd like to see. I'd like to see Maya get a job since her kids aren't little and she doesn't have to be home after school. I also want to meet Maya's father after her confession last season. I also would like to meet Jimmy's parents.

[bros402]

I'm wondering if they will have JJ meet up with DDD or DVR before graduating - and probably have him meet up with disability services at whatever school he wants to go to for college - they'd want lead time to prepare for JJ.

[GRChereck]

Gold Derby: Minnie interview (22 min.) 

Topics include favorite and least-favorite aspects of filming, how she relates to and differs from Maya, what she has learned from her work on the show, favorite s.2 moments, the possibility of a full-on musical episode in s.3, the need for more disability inclusion in hiring practices and in discussions of "diversity," etc.

 

[possibilities]

I know they'll never do it, but I'd like the show to take an honest look at what happens to JJ once he reaches adulthood. No one wants to talk about it after we're no longer kids.

[alexvillage]

On 5/16/2018 at 11:34 PM, bros402 said:

I'm wondering if they will have JJ meet up with DDD or DVR before graduating - and probably have him meet up with disability services at whatever school he wants to go to for college - they'd want lead time to prepare for JJ.

I haven't watched this show is ages but come here from time to time to see what's going on. On the subject, I would love for them to explore how colleges are very inaccessible, how some professors are ableist, how some compasses have their Student Disability Services in the basement of a building. Not only physical barriers are still present on most schools, but also barriers created by the unwillingness of trying to understand some disabilities that might not be so visible.

[readster]

2 hours ago, alexvillage said:

I haven't watched this show is ages but come here from time to time to see what's going on. On the subject, I would love for them to explore how colleges are very inaccessible, how some professors are ableist, how some compasses have their Student Disability Services in the basement of a building. Not only physical barriers are still present on most schools, but also barriers created by the unwillingness of trying to understand some disabilities that might not be so visible.

Exactly! That right there are some great stories for JJ, even though they made it pretty ridiculous to keep JJ in high school. I got where they were going with him realizing that he wasn't ready to start being on his own. However, seriously, they should have it where we see Kenny working with JJ on his homework, double checking things are going in and that Maya and Jimmy are getting regular updates. I mean come on, they had an online platform for grades for all the kids and it was mentioned a few times and its: "Oh, we didn't check that, even though I'm constantly on people that my JJ or my other kids are being treated fairly or doing their work." 

[bros402]

19 hours ago, alexvillage said:

I haven't watched this show is ages but come here from time to time to see what's going on. On the subject, I would love for them to explore how colleges are very inaccessible, how some professors are ableist, how some compasses have their Student Disability Services in the basement of a building. Not only physical barriers are still present on most schools, but also barriers created by the unwillingness of trying to understand some disabilities that might not be so visible.

ugh ableist professors

 

I had to file a discrimination complaint against a professor I had in college because she wanted everyone to bring in a milk crate a few weeks into class because she wanted us to put all of the papers she gave us during the semester in it. She just wanted us to bring them in, then she'd check it off on her list. Nothing else. I told her I couldn't drive, she said "well then have your parents take the day off of work and drive you!"

That, and other things, led to me filing a complaint against her and getting an emergency withdrawal from the course. The state refused to take up the complaint - and the college Affirmative Action officer determined the professor wasn't discriminating against me - but it led to the two disability services offices the college had being made into one office (They had learning disability services and disability services). I think my case manager at the LD services got let go, because she almost got the college in trouble with the department of education - I was 2 hours from filing my FERPA complaint with the DoE when they called to tell me they had the records I requested (I gave them 45 days, to end of business the 45th day).

Both colleges I went to had very accessible disability services offices. Well, sort of accessible. The community college was great. The place with the aforementioned LD services, that was like a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.

[kathyk24]

I'm interested to see what they do with Ray this season. I thought his behavior was worse than anything JJ ever did. I hated how he started a fake charity, pretended that his girl friend and her brother were his siblings. I think he'll have to do some serious apologizing to his family.

[GRChereck]

11 hours ago, kathyk24 said:

I'm interested to see what they do with Ray this season. I thought his behavior was worse than anything JJ ever did. I hated how he started a fake charity, pretended that his girl friend and her brother were his siblings. I think he'll have to do some serious apologizing to his family.

Yes! :D I've especially missed his bonding with his dad; plus, I think some actual follow-through on the charity idea could be a good storyline for him this next season (I'd love to see an episode where Jimmy gets to reunite with his old bandmates, and Ray ropes them into a fundraising gig).

***

Micah and his sister Kelsey Fowler spoke last night at Forbes' inaugural IDEA Summit (May 22):

 

More about IDEA Initiative: https://www.ideainitiative.co/info/

[GRChereck]

"Ask Matt" weighs in on 'Speechless' time-slot change:

https://www.tvinsider.com/692115/ask-matt-the-middle-finale-gotham-last-man-on-earth/

Quote

Speechless Over a Sitcom’s Relocation

Question: How worried are you about what will happen to Speechless now that ABC has exiled the show to Friday? I suspected it would move, but I was hoping ABC would schedule it on Tuesdays to benefit from someRoseanne afterglow, and I definitely did not think its move would be in deference to the dreadful American Housewife. Ugh. — JL

Matt Roush: Trying to stay positive here, but Fridays aren’t necessarily a TV graveyard for family comedies, and if Fresh Off the Boat and Speechless can revive the old “TGIF” franchise with any degree of success, maybe this will be a blessing in disguise, since expectations generally aren’t as high for shows airing on Friday. ABC is awash in family sitcoms, so it’s also possible Speechless could be used [as] a utility player to replace any new comedy that doesn’t measure up.

Edited May 26, 2018 by GRChereck

[71dude]

There's an open slot on Tuesdays now (RIP Roseanne) so maybe one of these shows will get an upgrade.

They should be able to do more with Ray next season since Mason Cook will be 18 and freed from the child hours.

[readster]

Yes, I agree. With Roseanne gone and then trying to make Splitting Up Together successful in season 2. They should just put Speechless between American House Wife (bump that to 7 pm).

[paulvdb]

According to this Deadline article about possible scheduling changes after the cancellation of Roseanne

Quote

... there has been no talk about relocating one or both of former Tuesday-Wednesday comedy series, Fresh Off the Boat and Speechless, which have been tasked with reopening a third ABC comedy block on Friday.

[GRChereck]

'Speechless' seasons 1 & 2 will finally hit DVD, but apparently only through Amazon's made-on-demand service (both due out June 12):

Season 1 (3 discs)

Season 2 (2 discs)

[bros402]

14 hours ago, GRChereck said:

'Speechless' seasons 1 & 2 will finally hit DVD, but apparently only through Amazon's made-on-demand service (both due out June 12):

Season 1 (3 discs)

Season 2 (2 discs)

Huh. I guess it makes sense - I doubt many people get DVDs anymore, do they have any special features?

[GRChereck]

On 6/13/2017 at 9:21 PM, GRChereck said:

Emmy-nomination submissions:

http://www.emmys.com/ballots/2017

Casting for a Comedy Series

Art Direction/Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour) -- "H-A-L--Halloween" (1x5)

Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series -- "P-I--Pilot" (1x1) and "I-N-S--Inspirations" (1x4)

Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) -- "P-R--Prom" (1x21)

Directing for a Comedy Series -- "P-I--Pilot" (Christine Gernon) and "P-R--Prom" (Bill Purple)

Writing for a Comedy Series -- "P-I--Pilot" (Scott Silveri), "H-E-R--Hero" (1x12) (Carrie Rosen), "C-H--Cheater" (1x19) (Ron McCants), "R-U-N--Runaway" (1x20) (Mark Kunerth), "C-A--Camp" (1x23) (Matt Roller and Danny Chun), and "O-S--Oscar P-A--Party" (1x16) (Chun and Silveri)*

Comedy Series

Lead Actor in a Comedy -- John Ross Bowie

Lead Actress in a Comedy -- Minnie Driver **

Supporting Actor in a Comedy -- Mason Cook, Micah Fowler, and Cedric Yarbrough

(I couldn't find Kyla Kenedy under Supporting Actress in a Comedy... :\ )

 

http://www.emmys.com/ballots/2018

Art Direction/Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour) -- "B-R-I--British I-N-V--Invasion" (2x7) and "The H-U-S--Hustle" (2x12)

Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series -- "U-N--Unforgettable P-A--Pain" (2x15) and "One A-N--Angry M--Maya" (2x16)

Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation -- "N-O--Nominee" (2x18)

Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation -- "N-I--Nightmares on D-I--DiMeo S--Street" (2x5)

Directing for a Comedy Series -- "N-I--Nightmares on D-I--DiMeo S--Street" (Christine Gernon), "S-T--Star W--Wars W--Wars" (2x9) (Stuart McDonald), "U-N--Unforgettable P-A--Pain" (Anya Adams), and "One A-N--Angry M--Maya" (Bill Purple)

Writing for a Comedy Series -- "S-I--Silent N-I--Night" (2x10) (teleplay by Shana Goldberg-Meehan and Dan Holden, story by Danny Chun) and "One A-N--Angry M--Maya" (Carrie Rosen and Zach Anner)

Comedy Series

Lead Actress in a Comedy -- Minnie Driver *

Supporting Actor in a Comedy -- John Ross Bowie *, Mason Cook, and Micah Fowler (no Cedric Yarbrough? dang... :( )

 

* - Minnie and John were also submitted for their guest turns as Lorraine Finster on 'Will & Grace' ("Rosario's Quinceanera") and Barry Kripke on 'Big Bang Theory' ("The Athenaeum Allocation"), respectively. :D

***

Ahead of s.3 (and in the wake of 'Roseanne's cancellation), JRB weighs in on the current state of comedy, social media and working-class identity: 

https://psmag.com/economics/inside-the-working-class-comedy-of-speechless

Edited June 20, 2018 by GRChereck
update

[GRChereck]

On 6/10/2018 at 1:18 AM, bros402 said:

Huh. I guess it makes sense - I doubt many people get DVDs anymore, do they have any special features?

I would hope so (especially deleted scenes), but both sets have been out for a week and I haven't found any information online yet. :\  

***

Quote

 

Silveri also had some comments in this ABC News piece on how disability tends to get overlooked in calls for more diversity:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/hollywoods-diversity-push-snubs-actors-disabilities-54223727

 

^^ dead link. :p Here's the original Associated Press piece.

Also, an update to the 'Roseanne' news:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/roseanne-spinoff-conners-officially-a-go-at-abc-1117397

Edited June 25, 2018 by GRChereck
updates

[71dude]

[readster]

Everyone looks rested from the summer too. 

[kathyk24]

Speechless was included in the Jeopardy category Tv Families last night. Unfortunately none of the contestants knew the answer.

[Driad]

1 hour ago, kathyk24 said:

Speechless was included in the Jeopardy category Tv Families last night. Unfortunately none of the contestants knew the answer.

But there are now several positive comments about Speechless in the Jeopardy forum, which might attract some viewers.

[bros402]

10 hours ago, kathyk24 said:

Speechless was included in the Jeopardy category Tv Families last night. Unfortunately none of the contestants knew the answer.

I knew that answer while playing along at home. I was like "SPEECHLESS! IT'S SPEECHLESS!"

[GRChereck]

Micah and his mother Tammy Fowler recently gave a speech at Brick High School (in Brick, NJ) to students of BASE Camp:

http://shorenewsnetwork.com/news/ocean-county-schools/fowler/

https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/brick/speechless-star-gives-inspirational-talk-to-students/ :)

***

Also, ABC did a li'l promotion for the new TGIF lineup at San Diego Comic-Con yesterday, as they had an autograph-signing with John and Cedric, Forrest Wheeler (middle brother Emery) of FOTB, and 'Child Support' host Fred Savage:

 

Edited July 23, 2018 by GRChereck